Help Us Light Up the Cowles Center!

Help Bring the Cowles Center Back to Life!

Arts’ Nest — longtime operators of the Phoenix Theater — have been entrusted by the City of Minneapolis to revive the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts in 2026, following its closure in 2024 due to lack of funding. 

This 508-seat landmark is a jewel of the Downtown Arts District - a world-class stage and civic treasure, fully remodeled less than 15 years ago. But today, it stands at a crossroads. Without community support, this space risks falling into disuse and disrepair. That would be a tragic loss for our city, our artists, and our audiences.

Here’s the reality:

• The good news: Arts’ Nest won’t be paying a mortgage or lease — we’re operating the Cowles on behalf of the City of Minneapolis.

• The challenge: Even when dark, the Cowles costs $190,000 a year just to maintain. And the financial resources of dance/performance companies are more strained than ever.

At a time when major funders — including the federal government — are pulling back from arts support, your contribution means so much.

Your gift today will help us:

• Reopen the Cowles for performances, community gatherings, and dance education (in collaboration with Zenon Dance)

• Keep this world-class facility in good repair and ready for artists to create now and into the future.

• Ensure downtown Minneapolis remains a living, thriving arts destination

🎭 Help us light up the Cowles again. Donate today and keep the arts alive in Minneapolis.

photography by the Cowles Center, Bill Cameron, and Pedro Juan Fonseca